Category: UAE Company Setup

Trade license vs. freelancer permit – which should you go for?

Do you want to start up your own business? The UAE – with its entrepreneurial culture and booming economy – is certainly a great place to do that. You do though need an appropriate license, and for that you’ve two options. You can go for a trade license if you want to start up a company, or a freelancer permit if you just want to work as a sole practitioner.

Intrigued by import-export? Here’s how to get started in the UAE

In 2016 alone, the UAE exported some USD 98.8bn worth of goods, with imports reaching USD 184bn in the same year. It’s perhaps unsurprising then that the trading licence is one of the most sought-after in the Emirates – with overseas entrepreneurs commonly choosing to set up in the UAE’s many free zones. Whatever route you choose to go down, there’s a few things you need to know before you get started.

Why the UAE is the destination of choice for entrepreneurs (INFOGRAPHIC)

In our latest infographic we look at the main reasons why the UAE is the destination of choice for entrepreneurs, showing you why you should start a business here.

Want to set up a fashion brand in the UAE? Here’s how…

If you’ve ever walked around one of the UAE’s famous malls, you’ll know exactly how big the appetite for high fashion is in this part of the world. Spending on consumer goods grew by 37% in the UAE in Q4 2017 in comparison to the same period the year before. Such incredible growth presents an opportunity, not just for the large fashion brands, but for home-grown businesses looking to capitalise on this insatiable demand. Here we look at how you can build your own fashion brand in the UAE.

How you can turn your company from the brink of bankruptcy to a business success

Running a business is exciting, but making it a success isn’t easy. While there are many reasons companies fail, perhaps the most common is because a business is struggling with its finances—and this leads to tens of thousands of companies around the world declaring bankruptcy every year. Here are five ways to turn things around if you’re in trouble.

How to trademark license your business in the UAE

Registering your company’s trademark in the UAE will protect your brand and ensure that no other company in your category can imitate your intellectual property. Around 70% of trademarks in the UAE are owned by non-residents, showing that international entrepreneurs are keen to protect their brand image. If you have decided you want to protect your business logo, letters, words, symbols, numerals, headings, signatures or any other trademark signs, read on to find out how to do it.

Which of the UAE’s 49 free zones is the one for you?

The first free zone was launched In the UAE in 1985 and has provided a powerful tool for entrepreneurs to launch all manner of companies. As of summer 2018, there are 49 free zones established in the UAE. So, if you’re considering using a free zone as a vehicle for launching your company, it’s worth getting to know the main free zones in the country and what sets them apart. Here, we look at 10 of the most popular free zones in the country.

Five tips to come up with a winning business idea

Having lots of entrepreneurial spirit is not enough to succeed. You need a solid business idea too – and they’re not always easy to come up with. However, there are proven ways to uncover them. In this article we share five tips, and explain why each one will help you and how to go about it.

What support can you expect for your startup from Dubai government agencies?

One of the reasons the UAE is so popular for new businesses is because of the promotion and support of startups by both government agencies and other forward-thinking companies. The initiatives on display showcase a desire to encourage business talent to invest in the region and support them in those all-important first years of operation. Here are some examples of the support and opportunities that have been available to startups and how you might be able to benefit.

Unicorn sighting? What you can learn from the UAE’s billion-dollar frontrunners

Uber. Airbnb. Dropbox. They’re household names – unicorns – all valued at over USD 1bn. But what about the Middle East’s rapidly growing digital disruptors such as Propertyfinder, Wadi and Namshi? These Dubai-based unicorns-in-waiting are attracting huge amounts of investment, underlining the UAE’s status as one of the best places in the world to hatch a technology business. So, what are these UAE startups doing that attracts investors like bees to honey? More importantly, what can you do to follow suit?